The sin of the Golden Calf is one of the ugliest and most painful in the Torah. Yet hidden underneath the story line are the lessons of true love and how to express it. Follow Rabbi Wagensberg as he teaches us to focus on others instead of ourselves, to act for others even when it is difficult for us to do so, and to step forward to cover for someone else.
The Golden Calf. What could be worse than seeming to throw G-d to the wayside and worship something so inane? Rabbi Wagensberg presents a fascinating tale of a king and his beloved son-in-law to portray Moshe’s plea to Hashem to forgive us for the horrific act we committed. Even more astonishing – could it be that we were almost forced to do what we did by the Divine will?
Why does taking a head count draw down the Evil Eye, and how can did the money collected after the Golden Calf show the way to be protected? Rabbi Wagensberg is entertaining and inspiring as he takes a journey into the salvation of Hashem that can be counted on to spring into play in the blink of an eye, even after we committed a sin as great as the Cheit HaEgel. Not only can we beg G-d to exonerate us, but we can merit reaching levels of holiness previously out of our grasp.
The story of the Golden Calf is deflating. How did we sink so low after the great heights of Mattan Torah? Follow Rabbi Wagensberg’s colorful path as he uncovers the greatness within each Jewish soul that even Moshe was unaware of. Learn how the strength of Klal Yisrael can overcome anything in its path to repent for negativity to change no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been.
There is little doubt that a community can accomplish so much more than a lone individual. Moreover, on a mystical level when an individual attaches himself to the whole, he becomes more purified. Rabbi Wagensberg invites you to 'join up' with the Jewish people to realize the sense of security in not feeling alone.
Often, marriages deteriorate because of the known cliche, "we don't see eye to eye. However, this is because each party is only looking with one eye - the great ego. This is also true in the breakdown of our relationship with the Divine. Sometimes we let self get in our own way and prevent us from truly attaching ourselves from the one above. Although we all need self-confidence, nevertheless, this week, Rabbi Wagensberg stresses the need to adapt a much more humble approach in life in order to reap the fruits of all good things.
"The episode of the golden calf will baffle scholars until the end of time. How could a people who had reached the highest spiritual levels, sink to the lowest of depths? In this action-packed lecture Rabbi Wagensberg will share some of the causes of as to how these mistakes occur. Not only will we learn what to be careful with but in the process Rabbi Wagensberg will give us a glimpse into the different levels of heaven and purgatory, describing in great detail what takes place in each one.
One of the most comforting things in the world is the knowledge that we could never sever the knot, which binds us to The One we love most. Listen to this portion, as Rabbi Wagensberg shows us that this is the case regarding our relationship with G-d.
What is it the magic middah we worked on to be worthy of receiving the Torah? Rabbi Wagensberg focuses on the capacity of Klal Yisrael to feel unity with one another and examining Haman’s glee as he thought to annihilate our nation when we seemed to have lost that sense of oneness. What focus has the capacity to unite us despite our differences?
When we left the land of Egypt, the revelation of G-d we experienced was nearly unparalleled. Yet did we work to deserve that, or was it a gift? Join Rabbi Wagensberg as he explores the two different methods that can be used to reach G-d, one based on first gaining awareness and then translating that into action and vice versa. Learn how the Mishkan and Moshe’s direction in its building points us toward which direction we should take.